Dobermann owners asked to help study into dog heart disease in largest ever study of this breed.
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Dog owners with a Dobermann throughout the UK are being asked to help veterinary research in the largest ever study of their breed – and help protect their animals from heart disease.
The three-year study ‘PROTECT’ (Pimobendan Randomised Occult DCM Trial to Evaluate Clinical symptoms and Time to heart failure) is being carried out by investigators in the UK and Canada. The study aims to recruit 70 dogs which will involve screening over 400 dogs to find suitable animals.
Simon Swift, a Veterinary Cardiologist from the University of Liverpool and one of the 15 UK investigators explained that approximately 11% of all dogs will suffer from heart disease at some point in their lives.1
One of the more common conditions is dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM, which causes the heart muscle to become weak so that eventually the heart is unable to pump effectively. This can take many years meaning that a dog can have heart disease for a long time before symptoms will be visible. However, eventually it results in the appearance of signs of heart failure, such as weakness, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, coughing and weight loss.
The condition is most common in large (e.g. Dobermanns) and giant (e.g. Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds) breeds of dog. It can however, occur in smaller breeds such as Cocker spaniels.
The outcome for dogs with heart failure as a result of DCM used to be very poor. However, in recent years, treatment of dogs in heart failure with a regime including the drug Pimobendan (Vetmedin®, Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd) has dramatically increased both quality of life and survival time. This has led veterinary cardiologists to question whether using the medication in the pre-clinical phase might be able to further improve the outcome for these dogs.
The question being asked in the PROTECT study is whether Pimobendan given to Dobermanns prior to the development of signs of congestive heart failure will increase the interval before development of failure and increase overall lifespan.
When Dobermanns develop DCM, it appears that their rate of deterioration, once signs are showing, may be more rapid than in some other breeds. This makes it all the more important to identify the individuals who are likely to be affected early so that they can be cared for most effectively. Therefore, PROTECT will focus on this breed.
The study is seeking to screen purebred Dobermanns between five and nine years of age, who are currently showing no signs of heart failure and are otherwise in good health.
If the dog is suitable for screening, the owner will be offered a free consultation, and a detailed diagnostic examination by one of the UK’s leading veterinary cardiologists. Should the dog be identified as having hidden signs of heart disease, it will then go on to a free trial to see whether Pimobendan is able to help delay the onset of symptoms of heart failure.
Dog owners who think their dogs may qualify for the study should contact their vet to discuss referral or contact the PROTECT information line on 01344 742574 and leave their details.
Mr Swift added, “Careful, precise monitoring and appropriate treatment can immeasurably improve the quality of life for a dog and bring peace of mind for the owner. PROTECT is all about ensuring we have the best possible knowledge about these drugs to make sure we make this happen.”
Leading the UK study, Philip Watson of Boehringer Ingelheim commented: “We are delighted that we have 15 UK vets taking part in this ground-breaking research. The size of the PROTECT study and the participation of some of the UK and Canada’s leading cardiology experts can only illustrate the vital importance of this piece of research.”
The study is supported by the Dobermann Breed Council (DBC) which is representative of all the 10 Dobermann Clubs in the UK.
Carol Smith, health co-ordinator of the Dobermann Breed Council, said: "Dilated Cardiomyopathy can affect a significant proportion of Dobermanns.
“I strongly appeal to Dobermann owners to come forward to support this research programme into heart disease in Dobermanns.
“If we can find out more about why the Dobermann is so susceptible to this disease we stand a good chance of saving many dogs’ lives and reducing suffering to the dogs and sadness and worry to their owners.”
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Notes to Editors:
The study is being carried out in the following areas: Edinburgh, Stirling, Liverpool, Warwickshire (Kenilworth), Newmarket, Hertfordshire (Higham Gobion and Hatfield), Gloucestershire (Dursley), Derby, Canterbury and Caterham (Surrey).
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cause of heart failure in large and giant breeds of dogs such as Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, Dobermanns and Old English sheepdogs.
Approximately 11% of all dogs will suffer from some form of heart disease in their lives.1
Signs of heart disease can initially be quite mild and so may be difficult to pick up. Signs to look for however include: chronic coughing, lack of energy, poor appetite, weight loss, exercise intolerance, laboured breathing, fainting, weakness and swollen abdomen.
Some dogs will show no signs of DCM but will experience sudden death where the dog falls over and dies for no apparent reason. One third of all Dobermanns destined to develop/acquire DCM will experience sudden death as the first symptom of their disease.
The average age that Dobermanns develop symptoms of DCM is 7.5 years of age.2
- Pimobendan is a licensed treatment for canine congestive heart failure as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy. It is marketed in the UK under the brand name Vetmedin.
- Dobermanns are working dogs, originating from Germany. The breed was first registered in 1908 and appears in four different colours – black, brown, blue and fawn. They are known for being energetic, bold, watchful and loyal. Dobermanns can grow up to 28 inches in height and can weigh up to 88 lbs.
- Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical corporations, developing innovative human and veterinary medicines. Vetmedica, the veterinary arm of Boehringer Ingelheim, was founded in the 1950s and, since that time, has expanded to become the 8th largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the UK.
References
1 Detweiler DK, Patterson DF. The prevalence and types of cardiovascular disease in dogs. Ann NY Acad Sci 1965;127:481-516.
2 Calvert CA, Pickus CW et al. Signalment, survival and prognostic factors in Dobermann Pinschers with end-stage cardiomyopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1997; 11(6):323-326For further information please contact. Administrator Victoria Lewis 01344 742574
OrDobermann Breed Council Health Co-ordinator Carol Smith Tele 0115 9321698
remesca@aol.com